Agarkar inspires tourists

AJIT AGARKAR was the star turn as India followed up a fine first-innings effort with a superb display in the field to give themselves every chance of recording a famous Test win against Australia in Adelaide.

AJIT AGARKAR was the star turn as India followed up a fine first-innings effort with a superb display in the field to give themselves every chance of recording a famous Test win against Australia in Adelaide.

Having finally been bowled out for 523 earlier on day four - Rahul Dravid completing a magnificent 233 - India were inspired by Agarkar who ran through the Australian batting line-up, claiming figures of six for 41, as the hosts were dismissed for just 196.

That left India with a victory target of 230 - and more than three sessions in which to get it. By the close, they had progressed to 37 without loss.

Agarkar had set the tone by removing Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting, for a duck, as Australia were reduced to 21 for two at lunch.

And it didn't get much better for the hosts after the restart. Matthew Hayden went for 17 although Damien Martyn and captain Steve Waugh helped bring up three figures. But it was not long before India recorded another breakthrough when Sachin Tendulkar removed Martyn - caught by Dravid for 38 - then Waugh fell eight short of his half-century.

Adam Gilchrist was next to go on 43, bowled by wrist-spinner Anil Kumble, and Andy Bichel lasted just five balls. Agarkar then maintained India's grip on the match taking Simon Katich (31), Jason Gillespie (three) and Stuart MacGill (one).